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Massive and
outstanding describe the works in the collection at the second edition of the
Ambassadors’ Nite exhibition holding in the National Museum, Lagos, between
December 2 and December 9, 2012. They are a true representation of the rich and
peculiar heritage of Nigeria, embedded in the works of art jealously kept in
the pricey collection of Chief John Edokpolo.

The raffle draw star price presented by First Bank of Nigeria

Besides the
extra-life sizes of the works, they each tell beautiful and historic stories of
people across Nigeria. Like a number of other sculptural pieces and paintings
on display at the exhibition, the star painting titled ‘ Ekasa: Myth and
Reality’is apatron’s delight. It is rich in cultural history and aesthetics.
The work tells the mythical story of the Ekasa dance among the Benin people of
Edo State, and the spice of the ‘reality’ side of the story is very much alive
with the Edokpolo family.

Mufu
Onifade,curator of the event, explains the significance of the Ekasa painting
as it meets the reality. “The myth that whosoever the Oba takes the Ekasa from
during the dance becomes very wealthy happened in the life of Chief john
Edokpolo Senior.At age 17, Oba Akenzua
who was on the throne of Benin Kingdom,took the Ekasa from him while the dance was being performed and it
became a reality in his life as he became a very successful industrialist.”

A strong
believer in the promotion of Nigerian artists and cultural pieces that can
compete with works from any part of the world, Edokpolo’s passion was groomed
right from his origin. “I am deeply rooted into the arts”, he said. “My father
is from Igun Street, where the best of bronze sculptures are created and my
mother is from Igbesawan, where you have the unbeatable woodwork art.”

It is
worthy of note that though Edokpolo has been collecting these rare pieces of
artworks, he has not considered selling any of them until this time. When asked
the criteria he would consider for selling, he could not separate himself from
the love and passion he has for the works. He said, “Whosoever would buy any of these
works must be able to take good care of them , which is my foremost concern.
Again, I just imagine what price money I could put on any of these works.”

The
rarity of these works remains in the fact that they are all commissioned by
him, with themes given by him to guide the production of the works. The element
of size and story angle comes from Edokpolo and remains his sentimental point
that builds his attachment to the works.

Squad 1 Production dancers

Some of
the titles in the collection include: ‘Dance to Enchanting Songs’ by Bruce
Onobrakpeya;‘Oni Dodo Oni moin moin’ by
Bimbo Adenugba; ‘Virgin of Ila Orangun’ by Bisi Fakeye; ‘Iba (Benin Space
Ship)’ by Amos Odion; ’Germination’ by Erhabor Emokpae; ‘At the Camp’ by Kolade
Oshinowo; ‘Identical Twins’ by Amonday Akhidue; ‘Mother and Child’ by Reuben
Ugbine; ‘Iwe’ by Smart Owie; ‘Election Riggers,Where are the Ballot Boxes’ by
Kofi Asemnyinah; ‘Metaphysics’ by Obi Ekwenchi; ‘Festival and Carnival’ by Mufu
Onifade; ‘Battle for Oil Block’ by E. Ojo; ‘Inheritance Menu’ by Toyin Alade; ‘Peace
and Unity: Nigerian Tribes’ by Chika Idu; Plebeian Weds Princess’ by Ogaga
Tuodeinye; ‘Elegance: Ovia Maidens’ by Sam Ajobiewe; ‘Girl and the Pot’ by
Chidi Kwubiri, and others that make up
the fifty-eight works for the exhibition, which is powered by Eko Modupe
Limited and packaged by ARA Studio, with sponsorship from First Bank.